Submarine safety apparatus



Jan. 4, 1927.

J. F. WEBB. SR

SUBMARINE SAFETY APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 8 L925 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR I c/an E'Fbb, 5/:

' ATTORNEY Jan. 4,1927. 1,613,594

J. F. WEBB. SR

SUBMARINE SAFETY APPARATUS Or ginal Filed Feb. '18 1.925 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN OR Jea'nl'yebb, 1:

BY jg W ATTORNEY Jan. 4, 1927.

J. F. WEBB, SR

SUBMARINE SAFETY APPARATUS Original Filed Feb. 18

L925 3 Sheets-Sheet s NVENTOR c/Eam I'Fe ATTORNEY- Patented Jan. 4, 1927.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

The invention enerally relates to safety a paratus for s u marines and has] for its ect to Provide means for facilitating quick rclie and rescue of imprisoned crews of submarine vessels that have been accidentally sunk, by injury due to collision, or mechanical failure and which are unable to rise again to the surface of their own power, or which are innone thenless dani 1o gerous position by. having been cast upon ing the air induction cable storing reel in.

a manner fproviding for a more convenient ejection o the torpedo float without interference with the normal functions of the torpedo tubes and without unduly encroach- 5 ing on the much needed com artment capacity of the vessel, and also t e provision of means for so applying-the broad crew-sustainin air induction features as to adapt them or use in emergencies where the vessel is stranded upon areef or bar where torpedo float ejection would be either impractical, unnecessary or undesirable.

With the above and other objects in view the invention furthenresides 1n the novel 5 details of construction, combination and arrangement of parts, first'fully described in the following detailed specifications, then particularly ointed. out in the'appen'ded claims, and il ustrated in the accompanying 4o drawings, in which Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side elevation illustrating both phases of use of the invention, the air induction through. the torpedo float sustained cable or deep water use, and

air induction through the rigid stand-pipe or shallow water use. p

fl Figure 2 is a side elevation of the torpedo oat.

Figure'B is an enlar ed detail longitudinal section of the nose cut of the tor do float.

Figure 4 is an enlarged detai longitugimzl section of the lower end of the torpedo Fi ure 5 a side elevation andv part sect1on illustrating the stand-pipe air induction 86 connections.

Fi re 6 is a horizontal section ,illustrating t e cable winding reel'mounted on the breech-block of a torpedo tube.

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section. of the so reel and its mountings.

Figure 8 is. a somewhat diagrammatic section indicating several compartments of a vessel and a means for ventilating them sinlgnly or collectively.

the drawings lindica-tes a submarine vessel of any of the types now used, 2 the.

torpedo tube andB the operating compartment thereo T A torpedo shaped float 4 is provided, and 1a is shaped to be a a ted for ejection through a torpedo tube, an when its use is unneces sary, for being stored with the usual torpedo equi ment. a I j T e float 4 comprises a copper shell 6v en II cased by staves '7 of balsa or other woodv which will aid its buoyancy and protect it against wave dashed flotsam. A conical protective and weed etrating nose 8 is fitted, over oneand of telfloat. d j r1 i air supp con uctor i 91ertends rough the libat 4. and hiis ecured thereto as at 10 the upper end of a wire covered, air sup lyhose or. hollow armored cable 11, adapted to be carried to the surface '5 of the sea by the float when ejected orreleased, andhaving. itslower end in communi- M cation withthe interior of the sunken vessels to, supply air thereto. The upper end of the the protective 'noseS an has secured thereto inwardly and outwardly opening check valves indicated 12 and 13 respectively- In addition to its air condu i func tion the pi 9 and hoseconiiection 1 serve to encase t e'electricity conducting connection 14 which is connectedwith a source of electrical energy sup ly inside the vessel.

and, through insulate bushings and stack ate, with the signal lights within the nose 8, I

see Figure 3. f

To render visible the inc 9 extends ed'in the submarine compartment in any de sired manner, I here disclose a particularly will communicate with the interior of the same asshownin Figures 6 and T;

The reel includes hollow trunnion's 17 for which air and water-tight bearings are provided at 18 in the oppositeends ofthe reel housing 19 and through one of which swivel connection is made with the breather pump 20, as at 21, while the other is equipped at 22 to facilitate the electrical-energy connection-referredto. g s

While the reel housing 19 may be mount simple, practical and convenient manner of mounting the same:

The housing may iron and of hollow cylindrical shape and,in the wall thereof, is formed a well curved discharge throat 23 serving as a passage for cured, as at 25, to the flange 26 the hose 11 and which is surrounded by a securing flange 24.

-Theflange 24 is air andv water-tight seof any well known type of breech-block 27. I desire to mount the housing 6n the breech-block because of the great possibilities of compactness and1for' thereason that such mounting ispractical without interference with ordinary torpedo "tube usage.

The usual i terrupted' threadequipment of the breech-block is indicated at 28 while 29 serves to indicate .the carrying frame therefor which is hinged,-as at 30, to suitable.

hinge ears carried either by the submarine compartment wall or the loading end of the torpedo tube; i 7

lever for suitably turning the breechblock is generally indicated at. 31 and the I no said breech-block has'a well curved central aperture 32 for permitting free passage of the cable 11 therethrough when thefloat 4 is ejected.

strengthen the ends thereof. It may also berovided with a rubber gasket 38. at its ower or rearlend to effectively seal the torpedo tube and facilitate its compressed air ejection when that method is used,.and a bearing member 39, chain connected thereto at 40, and serving to prevent in'urious flexing of thehose 1.1 at its point 0 connection.

ocean floor.

be constructed of boiler face.

The foregoing serves to describe the terpedo float and its connections whereby it may be ejected. 'or released to serve as a means, for supplying fresh air to the interior of the sunken vessel, for signalling its position .tof rescuers, and for indicating to the imprisoned crew the depth at which their vessel lies, in the manner following.

Assuming an emergency where the submarine erew is trapped and resting on the The men first close the outer sea door of the vessel (not shown) then drain the water out ofthetorpedo tube 2 and also out of the housing 19 through the drain cock 41 with which the housing is provided. The breech-block 27 is then operated and'swung open in the usual manner the float 4 secured at 10 to the reeled hose 11 and inserted intothe torpedo tube 2, the

breech-block again secured the outer sea door opened and the float 4 ejected by'air pressure which may be applied at 42 into the housing and torpedotube if desired.

The float 4 may, of course, be ejected by explosives or by hand if desired.

Just before ejecting the float 4 the pump is operated to force air into the reel and the coils of the hose 11 so that when the float is ejected the hose will be more buoyant and not subject to collapse by water pressure; also, to balance the mside and outside pressure'on the valves 12 and 13 to prevent inflow of water, it being understood that water while air pressure istendin to close 12 and open 13 while the float is rising to the sur- Should any slight amount of water gain entrance it-w'ill be expelled byair pressure as the float reaches the surface.

When the float 4 reaches the surface the pump action is reversed to its suction function and a fresh supply of air furnished the imprisoned crew. Thereafter by alternating the pump action fresh and foulair may be inhaled into and exhaled out of the interior of the sunken vessel to sustain the A hand brake 33'may be provided to concrew, and this constant current of air will aid in keeping the hose expanded from float to vessel.

Obviously, any type of double acting pump 20 maybe employed.

By noting the revolutions recorded on the counter 34 the; de th from surface to vessel may be compute The electrical conneetlon 22 need now lout be applied and secured tightly to light the lights within the protective nose 8 (or sound an audible signal if it be desired to provide such) and the crew will besafely sustained and their rescuers'signalled to. The electric connections may also be used for telephoning by'use of proper connections'abova and below.

As' hereinbefore stated, the improved means for mounting the winding reel, and

the prd'vision of means for providing for crew sustaining air induction or ventilation of a vessel stranded in shallow water where torpedo float ejection is impossible, imprac-' secured to and passing downwardly through the deck of the vessel into the compartment? thereof and having its lower projected end provided with a globe valve 45, for closing olf communication with the interior of the vessel when desired, and a umonconnection 46, whereby ready connection with the double acting pump may be effected.

The pipe 44 may also be provided with an upper globe valve 47 which maybe" operated from without to close olf communication through' the said pipe if desired.

This stand-pipe 44 is designed to effect the same function as that of the pipe 9 and cable 11 and for that urpose has the upper end thereof equippe with inwardly and outwardly opening check valves 48 and 49 which serve the same function as the valves 12 and 13 with which that pipe 9 is equipped and which has beenhereinbefore described in detail, and a downturned pipe section 50 effectively serving to prevent ready splashing of waves into'the upper end of the pipe 44.

It will be readily undersfood'that should the submarine become stranded on a reef or bar in relatively shallow water, the upper end of the pipe44\vould' project above the level of the water-and, by attaching and opcrating the pump 20 as hereinbefore described the interior of the vessel could be i conveniently ventilated. It will also be obvious that this simple means may be utilized as a ventilating device under normal conditions when the vessel is functioning perfectly and runningon the surface or awash, In thls case, when driving is contemplated, communication with the interior of the vessel would be cut off by use of either or both of the valves 45 and 47.

The'stand pipe 44 may, of coursc be constructed in a single tubular section as indicated in Figure 1, but it may be found desirable to construct the same of two :or more telescopic sections as illustrated in Figure 5,

. Water-tight gland connections 51 being provided to prevent water leakage into the said piping. Also, as conning tower structures are now becoming quite massive, sufficiently so as to facilitate mounting of heavy guns any time that vessel was in a position for: ms In this arrangement the upper end of, the

thereon, it may be found desirable to Project the pipin ture as indicated in Figure 5. With suchhh arrangement the upper sectionof the are scopic piping 44'could be connected at 52 130 44 up through that tower struc move vertically with the periscope 53. This" would be very practical as the" apparatus could be utilized to ventilate the vessel at} projecting its periscopeinto position for use.

piping 44 could be positioned just below the eye of the periscope to prevent obstruction of vision thcrethrough and the valve 47 positioned; in the uppermost one ofthe telef" scopic sections.

. In Figure 8 I have illustrated an addi-] tional modified feature of the invention in which means is provided for ventilating all or a selected one or ones of theindividual compartments into which the submarine vessel maybe divided.

In the disclosure last referred to one passage (inlet or outlet) of the double acting other passage (inlet'or outlet) of said pump is connected with the ventilating pipeline 56 which passes through all or desired ones of the compartments of the vessel "and through which proper ventilation of such] compartments is effected. The partitions which divide the main compartment or in-I terior of the vessel into the individual comf partments mentioned are diagranimatically indicated at 57.

In each individual compartment formed between the partitions 57 an intake or outlet funnel 58 is connected with the pipeline-Z 56 and in controllable communication with through the valve connection 59.

As foulgases such as it is desirous to ex'- pcl from thecomparfments of the vesselsink 5 to the level of the floor of those compart ments each funnel 58 is located closely adjae cent the floor of the compartment it serves 1 so as to mos: effectively function to draw the poisonous 'gases on therefrom through.

the pump, then acting in its exhaling capacity, and to atmosphere through cable 11, pipe 9 and valve 13, or through stand-pipe" 44 and valve 49 according tothe connection of the flexible hose section 55, to the hollow reel at 21 in the first instance, or to the union .46 as illustrated in Figure 8 and as last described. \Vhen the acion ofthe pump is reversed the fresh air will be discharged into the compartments through the funnels and rise to fill those compartments.

It will be obvious that the Whole'of the system of funnels 58 throughout the line 56' may be utilized at once or, by manipulating the valves 59 the whole ventilating function may be confined to the relief and service of a V the sleeping occupantswill settle to the floor and be properly drawn otl'and replaced by fresh air from above the waters surface.

The provisionof the flexible hose length 55 serves to facilitate quick and convenient connection of the pumpQt) with either the stand-pipe 44 or the reel 19.

From the foregoing description, taken in connection with thenccompanying drawings,

it is thought that the novel details of con-' struction of my improved submarine safety apparatus features, the manner of operation and advantages thereof, will be readily apparent tothose skilled in the art to which they relatei VVhat'l claim is:

1. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the kind wherein a float is adapted to be ejected through the torpedo tube of the vessel and carry a hollow cable to the surface,

a reel on which said cable wound, a casing 1n WhlCl] said reel s mounted, a breechblock for cooperation with the entrance of the torpedo tube of the ve"sel, and means I mounting said casing on said breech-block,

said breech block having a passage through the same for the cable. i i

2. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the kind wherein a float is adapted to be ejected through the torpedo tube of the vessel and carry a hollow cable to the surface; a reel on which said cable is wound, a casing in which said reel is mounted, a breechblock for cooperation with the entrance 'of the torpedo tube of the vessel, and means mounting saidtcasing on said breech-block, said breech block having a passage through the same for the cable, saidcasing being in water-tight connection with said breechblock whereby water entering same through the breech-block passage when the torpedo tube is open to eject the float will'be trapped against entering the interior of the vessel.

3. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the character de cribed. the combination and a casing therefor mounted on said block, said cable being adapted to pass through said breech-block passage, means for pas ing aifthrough said cable, means for draining water from said casing, and means adapted to pass through the torpedo tube of the vessel for carrying an end of said cable to the surface of the water.

4:. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the character described, the combination with the breech-block of the torpedo tube thereof, said breech-block having a passage through itself; a hollowcable-carrying reel and a, casing therefor niountcdon said block, said cable being adapted to pa s through said breech-block passage, means for passing air through said cable, means for draining water, from said casing, and torp do Shaped float adapted to pass through the torpedo tube of the vessel for carrying an end of said cable to the surface of the water, and means for connecting a compressed air blast into the casing for r ejecting the torpedo shaped float.

'5. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the kind wherein a float isadapted to be ejected through the torpcdo tube of the vessel and carry a hollow cable to the surface; a reel on which said cable is wound, a-casing in which said reel is mounted, a breech-block for cooperation with the entrance of the torpedo tube of the vessel, and means mountmg said casing on said breech-block, said breech-block having a assage through the same for the cable, sui casing being in air and water-tight connection with said breech block whereby water entering same through -v the breech-block passage when the torpedo trapped against entering the interior of the vessel, means for draining water from the casing,ahd means for connecting a com ressed air blast into the casing for ejectmg the float.

6. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the kind wherein a float is adapted to be ejected through the torpedo tube of the vessel and carry a hollow cable to the surface; a reel on which said cable is wound, a casing in which said reel is mounted, a breechblock for cooperation witli the entrance of the torpedo tube of the vessel, and means mounting said casing on said breech-block, said breech-block having a passage through the same for the cable, the said reel being so pro ortioned and mounted upon the brcechlock in cooperation with the'usual mounting of that breech-block as not to interfere with free normal use of the torpedo tube it cooperates with.

7. In means for ventilating submarine a stand-pipe projected fromthe deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valvesfor said pipe, and means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through saidstand-pipe.

8. In means for ventilating submarines, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, and means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, said standpipe comprising telescopic sections.

9. In means for ventilating submarines, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, and shut-off valves for closing the passage through the standpipe when desired.

10. In means for ventilating submarines, a stand-pi e projected from the deck of the vessel an at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, said stand-pipe comprising telescopic sections, and a shutofl' valve in each ofthe sections for closing the passage through the said sections when desired.

11; In means for ventilating submarines,

a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating a with the interior thereof, oppositely opera:

tive check valves for said ipe,imeans inside the vessed for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, said standipe comprising telescopic sections, and a s utofl valve in each ofthe sections for closing the passa e through the said sections when desired, t e valve in the lower section being positioned within the interior of the submarine.

12. In means for ventilating submarines, having vertically adjustable perisco e equipment, a stand-pipe projected from t .e

deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, and means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, said stand-pipe comprising telescopic sections, the upper one of the telescopic sections being connected to the periscope to be moved vertically therewith.

13. In means for ventilatin having vertically adjustab e submarines", periscope equipment, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof,

operative check valves for said oppositel means inside the vessel for drawpipe, an

ing in and expelling air through said standpipe, said stand pipe comprising telescopic sections, the upper one of the telescopic sections beingnennected to the periscope to be moved vertically therewith, the upper end of the stand-pipe terminating short of the upper end of said periscope.

14. In means for ventilating submarines, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the means adapted to pass through the tor vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, and means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, the said tion at its upper end above the chec valves.

15. In means for ventilatingsubmarines, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with theinterior thereof oppositely opera- I tive check valves for sai pipe, and means 7 inside the vessel for drawn in and expelling air through said stan -pipe, the entrance of each said check valve being downturned for the purposes s ecified.

16. In submarine venti ating a paratus of the character described, the com mation with the breech-block of the torpedo tube thereof, said breech-block having a passage through itself; a hollow cable-carrymg reel and a casing therefor mounted on said block, said cable being adapted to pass through said breech-block passa e, means for passing air through said cab e, means for draining water from said casing, anld 0 tube of the vessel for carrying an en of said cable to the surface of the water, and air conducting means connectible in comstand-pipe having a down-turned ipe secmunication with the hollow cableand pass+ ing through the various compartments of the vessel, the communication thereof with each such compartment being valve controlled.

17. In submarine ventilating apparatus of the character described, the com mation with the breech-block of the torpedo tube thereof, said breech-block havinga passage through itself; a hollow cable-carryingreel and a casing therefor mounted on said 1 block,- said cable being adapted to pass through said breech-block passage, means for passing air through said cable, means a for draining water from said casing, and means adapted to pass through the torpedo tube of the vessel for carrying an end of said cable to the surface of the water, and

air conducting means connectible in communication with the hollow cable and passing through the various compartments of communication with the pump and passing through the various compartments of the vessel the communication thereof with each such compartment being valve controlled.

19. In means for ventilating submarines, a stand-pipe projected from the deck of the vessel and at its lower end communicating with the interior thereof, oppositely operative check valves for said pipe, means inside the vessel for drawing in and expelling air through said stand-pipe, .and air conducting means connectible in communication with the hollow cable and passing through the various compartments of the vessel which said means includes an intake or exhaust connection for each compartment having a funnel positioned close to the floor 01 each such compartment and in valve controlled communication with said air conducting means.

JEAN F. WEBB, Say 

